New Preserve America Stewards Program

Applications are now being accepted in a new recognition program of the Preserve America initiative -- Preserve America Stewards -- which will honor exemplary volunteer efforts at historic resources around the country. Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady and Honorary Chair of Preserve America, announced the new program at the Preserve America Presidential Awards ceremony on May 12 at the White House.

The program will recognize stewardship programs that have demonstrated a successful use of volunteer time and commitment in order to help care for our cultural heritage. Government entities (federal, tribal, state, or local), non-profit organizations, and businesses are eligible to apply to have their programs recognized.

The application form and guidance is attached and is also available at www.preserveamerica.gov. While the quarterly schedule for submissions makes June 1st the next deadline, we encourage applicants to submit applications at any time over the summer if they are interested in being among the first programs to be designated as Preserve America Stewards.

To be designated, applicants must demonstrate that their programs provide individual volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties; address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use of volunteer effort; and demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and public/private partnerships.

Designated programs will receive a certificate of recognition as well as a letter of congratulations signed by Mrs. Bush, similar to the existing Preserve America Community recognition program. The organizations and agencies will also be listed in an online directory, with links to their own Web sites, contact information, and information for potentially interested volunteers about getting involved.

Other benefits will include listing in a joint Preserve America/Take Pride in America national database of volunteer heritage resource stewardship opportunities; use of the Preserve America logo in public outreach and promotional activities; enhanced access to existing technical assistance resources that may be helpful in the development, management, and ongoing support of a local volunteer stewardship program; periodic selection in a “Program Highlights” feature on the Preserve America and Take Pride in America Web sites; and consideration for further national recognition through existing annual volunteer service awards sponsored by the federal government.

For further information, contact Druscilla Null at dnull@achp.gov or at (202) 606-8532.